Friday, June 28, 2013

Jen & Kelly's Picks: Get On Your Red White and Blue!


1. Denim Vest  - Rag & Bone
 2. Dress - Denim & Supply
3. Sunnies - RayBan
4. Star Studs - Gorjana
5. Bag - Kate Spade
6. Nail polish - Butter (royal navy)
7. Sandals - Dr Scholl's

Hi Everyone! It's time to talk about Red, White and Blue.  We happen to adore these colors anytime of year but of course for the 4th it's always great to be patriotic and look cute while doing it, after all we live in a pretty awesome country.  Whether you are off to the beach, hanging out at a BBQ, or just watching fireworks,  I'm sure one of these looks will work for you as inspiration.  The two of us had so much fun putting together these outfits. We are absolutely in Love with all of these pieces!  I actually just ordered this red tie dye dress shortly after this  post went live.  We are both contemplating ordering up the Joie peasant top.  It's so versatile and Navy is such a great color.  Nail Polish is one of the easiest ways to introduce more color to an outfit (we may be posting a 4th of July mani this week) Stay Tuned..... Now all that's left is adding just a few fun accessories and Voila you are now Americana!  We hope you all are looking forward to celebrating your Freedom in a colorful way. God Bless America!
x
Kel & Jen

1. Earrings - Express
2. Blouse - Joie
3. Nail Polish - Essie (who she red)
4. Chino Shorts - JCrew
5. Clutch -Clare Vivier
6. Wedges - Lauren by Ralph Lauren
7. Bracelet - Francesca's

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

(Not your Traditional) Pico De Gallo

Hi friends, and Happy Summer! This is and will always be my favorite season.  I love the clothing, sandals, tan skin, outdoor eating/drinking, AND all the delicious fruits and veggies that are oh so ripe! I rarely have time to do extra food shopping in my life, and this recipe is always quick, easy and Festive with ingredients that I almost always have regularly in my kitchen.  If I get a quick invite somewhere and want to bring an appetizer, this is my go to dish.  Got to love simplicity! Pico de Gallo is one of my favorite appetizers, snacks, side dishes, basically anytime food.  Tomatoes are super juicy and delicious right now, and if I could marry and avocado, I would haha :) Put these babies together plus the other wonderful veggies and you have a yummy side dish, plus the bright colors of Pico look great!!  I originally tried this recipe from a Farmer's Market and fell in Love.  I sat with my sisters and we tried to identify each and every flavor to obtain an ingredient list.  It is definitely different from typical Pico recipes since it includes olive oil and garlic salt and does not call for  jalapeños.  After playing around with the measurements I think we finally mastered this recipe.  Hope you love it as much as we do.
XO
Kel

Ingredients 
  • 2 Avocados cut into squares ( watch this Excellent HOW TO  video)
  • 4 Plum Tomatoes, seeded and diced
  • 1/4 cup chopped Cilantro
  • 1 quarter of a White or Red Onion, chopped into squares
  • 1  tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic salt
  • Juice of 1 lime 
  • Favorite chips for dipping


Directions
  1. Mix all ingredients together (except lime juice) in a large bowl, adding avocado last to avoid smushing. 
  2.  Cut lime in half and squeeze the juice of  1 half into the pico.  Mix well and taste.  If you want it to taste more lime flavored or tangy then add the juice of the second half. 
  3.  If vegetables are not already cool then re-fridgerate 30 minutes before serving. (its best to serve soon after preparation to ensure Avocados do not brown) 
  4. Serve with whatever type of chip, or cracker you prefer, and enjoy!
* It's easiest to have the Tomato, Onion and Lime already cooled (re-fridgerated)  before starting the recipe if you would like to serve immediately after preparation.




Monday, June 24, 2013

Stripes and Scallops



I took some pics of my sister, Kim also seen here & here while just hanging out at her house.  I love this outfit because of its simplicity.  I always dig a great blazer and navy is always a classic.  White shorts always look clean and crisp and these cuties have such a fun detail of Scalloped Pockets.  This adorable mini satchel from TopShop adds a fantastic burst of color on the white.  And seriously! who doesn't like a basic striped tee?  I do I do.  In fact I think I may have way too many shirts in stripes, especially blue striped tees.  This necklace is one of my old favorites.  I let Kim borrow it because I am such a great sister haha.  It kinda looks nautical with the brass knots on either side.  It's sad that Martin & Osa is no longer around so I'm not sure where else you can find something similar.  Perhaps my most fave element to this ensemble are the Caroline Villamarin earrings.  They have that cute 50's vibe and are so easy to pair with most outfits.  I am obsessed and got myself about 3 pairs, however they are no longer available on her website :(  I know they are currently being sold at Peper & Parlor in Hoboken, NJ.  If you are ever in town check it out!   Oh and I should mention that ths cute brown woven belt actually has a bow on it.  Kim turned it to the side and hid it under the tee-shirt to keep things simple.
Hope you all had a Fab weekend.
x
Jen

Blazer - Theory
Tee - JCrew - find similar
Shorts - JCrew
Sandals - Loft
Mini Satchel - TopShop
Sunnies - Walker
Belt - Anthropologie
Ring - David Yurman - find similar
Earrings - Caroline Villamarin
Necklace - Martin & Osa (old)
Nail Color  -Zoya (dita)

Friday, June 21, 2013

Jen & Kelly's Picks: Black & White 2 Ways



For the Working Girl..........
1. Black cardigan - Dries Van Noten
2. Blouse - Marni
3. Earrings - Rose Pierre
4. Bangle - Adia Kibur
5. Skirt - Moschino Cheap and Chic - 70% off
6. Tote - TopShop
7. Pumps - Steven
8. Lip tint - Colororganics hemp lip tint (wine)

The thing about Black and White is that it's seasonless classic and always in style.  You really can't go wrong pairing these to match made in heaven colors but you can spice it up, down and/or sideways.  I have always loved black and white especially when I am unsure of what to wear or indecisiive about wearing color.  There is something so Elegant about black and white together and I'm sure it will always appear that way to the human eye of even the most lacking of fashionistas.  Kelly and I show you 2 looks here both very different and one with a hint of color. I kept mine simple and classic for the working woman, but fun enough to wear for a night out after work. The lip tint is one of my favorites and adds the perfect amount of color to your lips.  Kelly's outfit is super cute, chic and relaxed with just a pop of yellow.  I think any girl would love to rock this look.  Hope you are inspired by our picks.  Black and White is always a winner!
x
Jen & Kelly


For the Casual Chic Girl.......
1. Necklace - Kenneth Cole
2. Blouse - DKNYC
3. Watch - Kate Spade
4. Envelope Clutch - John Lewis
5. Boyfriend shorts - True Religion
6. Sandals - Steven
7. Earrings - Gorjana

Thursday, June 20, 2013

PB&J Shortbread Ice cream Sammy's



This past Father's Day the hubby and I spent the day with my father-in law.  We went out for an early dinner at the White Dog Cafe.  Dinner was so Delicious but Dessert was Amazing! I decided to be adventurous and try the PB&J shortbread sandwiches.  I wasn't really sure what to expect but I hoped for the best.  I was so pleasantly surprised but I also LOVE pb&j normally.  If you love pb&j then chances are you will enjoy this tasty treat.  As you may have guessed it is very messy to eat but so worth it.  It looked easy enough to make on my own so I gave it my best shot.  The restaurant version definitely used very thin shortbread cookies but I was unable to find any that thin. You could always try to make your own, however I have done that in the past and controlling the thickness of the bread is pretty difficult.  I went with Walker's shortbread highlanders.  For a quick, fun and simple dessert give this recipe a try :)
x
Jen

Ingredients (makes 6)
  • (2) 4.7 ounce boxes of shorbread ( I used Walkers highlanders)
  • 1 pint of PB ice cream. (you can use chocolate PB flavor or plain PB ice cream)
  • 3 tablespoons of your favorite jam, jelly or preserves.  ( I used Wild Blueberry preserves)
Directions
  1. Lay out the bottom layer  of shortbread for each sandwich.
  2. On a cutting board scoop out 6 healthy sized scoops of ice cream.
  3. Add a half tsp of the fruit spread to each scoop and fold the spread into the ice cream. ( I used a brownie cutter to fold)
  4. Once folded scoop the 6 individual scoops of ice cream onto the 6 pieces of shortbread
  5. Add 1 teaspoon of fruit spread to the top of  each scoop of ice cream on the shortbread.
  6. Top each with the 2nd piece of shortbread to complete the sandwich.
* If you would like to have this prepared in advance simply follow directions above and place each sandwich onto a tray covered in wax paper.  Place a second layer of wax paper over the top and place in the freezer for up to 2 hours before serving.






Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Electric Blue & Orange Flowers



Well it was off to Tudor City again this past weekend.  I spent the day with my friend Rupal whom you have also seen here.  It was a beautiful day in the neighborhood and perfect weather to be outdoors.  We were on our way to an outdoor rooftop party.  Sometimes it's difficult to decide on an outfit when you know it will be hot, but also when the event is outside starting in the day and continuing through the early part of the night.  I Loved Rupal's choice.  Her look is very relaxed yet dressed up just enough for an outdoorsy party. The colors are so vibrant especially with the contrast of the orange necklace and the electric blue skirt.  She is Obsessed with this necklace BTW.  She actually planned the outfit around the necklace haha but I guess it all worked out from the looks of it.  My favorite part of this look is the flowy skirt.  It moves and floats through the air while you walk and adds a whimsical feeling to the outfit. Hope you had a wonderful weekend full of great weather!
x
Jen


Tank - H&M
Skirt - Mystique Boutique  - similar
Necklace - AFaze - similar
Sunnies - Prada
Sandals - DV by Dolce Vita 
Bracelets - found in India and China 
Clutch - Charming Charlie's

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Mani - I Love NY


My husband and I have recently been talking about moving back to NYC.  We lived there for 6 years and recently moved right across the water (5 minute Ferry ride).  As much as I have been enjoying the calmness and less hustle and bustle of our new place I do sometimes miss the convenience of city life.  Everything you need is right at your fingertips OR maybe it's just a short subway/cab ride away. The city sometimes got to be too overwhelming for me and I felt like I needed a break.  Now our view of the city is Spectacular! The entire cityscape can be seen with a blue picturesque sky during the day and at night a rainbow of lights that almost takes your breath away.   Can I give up my view from across the water and calmer lifestyle? I dunno.  I do know that even when I hate NY deep down I will Always Love NY.  There is no question.  Guess we'll have to decide soon.
All this time spent thinking about the city inspired me to create a mani that was a compilation of all the little things that remind me of NYC. I admit it was not the easiest project I have done on my nails but it was fun experimenting.  It would not have been possible for me at least using  just regular polish and my unsteady hand without Nail Art pens.  I used Sally Hansen nail art pens in black, white and Red. I also used Sally Hansen complete salon manicure polish in white out.  For the yellow taxi check nail I used NYC color in Lexington Yellow.  Have a great day
x
Jen


Monday, June 10, 2013

Simple Seersucker



This weekend it was off to the burbs again for me!  I traveled home on Saturday to celebrate my youngest sister's Birthday.  It was a blast and so great to see my whole family.  Whenever I travel home to see the fam I almost always stay with my middle sister Kim (also seen here).  She lives the perfect suburban life complete with fiancé, cute house, 2 cats and a garden.  Sometimes a city girl like me gets jealous of her trees, flowers and overall wealth of space. One of the things I really enjoyed was her showing me her newly bloomed flowers and planted trees around the property.  She was proud of how her gardening skills had paid off.  While we were rushing out the door she remembered that she hadn't watered some of the plants and I was able to capture some of those moments on camera to share with you all.  I thought it was pretty hilarious that she was watering the garden in heels and yes they were constantly sinking into the dirt and causing some imbalance - all in good fun! Let it be known that it was totally just a coincidence that the green watering can happened to match the green highlights of her outfit.  She says her outfit was seriously comfortable except the shoes.  I thought it was totally Adorbs!  probably because I'm a sucker for Seersucker.  Also that statement necklace is to die for in my opinion. 
By the end of the weekend something usually ticks inside of me and I can't wait to get back to my city life in a small spaced apartment with no garden or trees but oh so many things to do.  It's how I know maybe I am not ready to move back to the burbs just yet,  but all in good time.
x
Jen

Shirt - Anthropologie - find similar
Seersucker Capris - JCrew
Necklace - JCrew
Heels - Enzo Angiolini -find similar here & here
Sunnies - Salt Optics
Nail Polish - Essie(sand tropez)

Friday, June 7, 2013

Jen & Kelly's Picks


1. Blouse - DVF
2. Bag - TopShop
3. Studd Earrings - Pim + Larkin 
4. Sailor Shorts - JCrew
5. Cobalt Ring - Madewell
6. Clogs - Swedish Hasbeens
7. Nail Polish - Essie (Clam Bake)

This week our picks are a little bit on the Crazy side, well maybe not crazy but a little out of the ordinary safe zone.  We wanted to show examples of mixing patterns and prints while also showing off vibrant colors for summer. While it can feel a little risque to mix two different patterns together, there are always ways to make it work.  In the first look I tried to bring my picks together with different shades of blue.  I wanted to accentuate the bright Orange in the DVF blouse by wearing a similar color polish either on toes, nails or both :) I always say that mixing a stripe with a pattern is easier than mixing 2 totally different patterns together.  The sailor stripe shorts seemed like the perfect match for this busy blouse.  I kept the bag simple in a nude color and earrings as small studs.  I am in Love with these Swedish Hasbeens clogs!
Kelly chose a bright Orange skirt and used mainly blue accessories to bring out the blue in the skirt.  The leather vest brings out the small amount of black in the skirt but pulls the outfit together.  The top is cream and kept simple.  If you are daring enough you may consider slipping your footies into those Wild shoes.  Finally a simple MK watch is all that's needed to accessorize with those colorful chandelier earrings.


1. Faux Leather Vest - Mural
2. Earrings - Seychelles
3. Bag  - TopShop
4. Blouse - TopShop
5. Watch - Michael Kors
6. Giraffe Skater Skirt - TopShop
7. Heels - Phrynia

Thursday, June 6, 2013

No Bake - Ice Cream Cake


We all have many roles to juggle, and I am no exception to that list. I wear many hats, however a baker's hat is not one of them. My sister always says to me, " A cooker you are, a baker you are NOT!", and it's very true I am lacking the baking gene. I have no idea why but whenever I bake I am disappointed by the results. There's just no passion between me and baking a dessert, eating the dessert on the other hand is a perfect match!  I have daughters and I need to be able to do something for their birthdays!! So I have mastered the art of the ice cream cake! Obvi it is oven free, so easy to make, and it tastes ahhhhhmazing!!!  The girls love when I set up a buffet of toppings for the cake and just let them go nuts. The toppings can be festive for any occasion depending on what you use. Its perfect for kiddie parties but also for any group of dessert loving adults.
Happy Eating!
xo 
Kelly


Prep
Remove paper wrap from all 17 ice cream sandwiches and put sandwiches in freezer up to 10 minutes before starting recipe.

Ingredients

  • 17 Ice Cream Sandwiches (I used 3 boxes of 6 and had 1 leftover)
  • 1 jar (11.75 ounces) hot fudge ice cream topping
  • 2 Tablespoons of your favorite peanut butter
  • 1/2 carton (4 ounces) frozen whipped topping (Thawed) - Cool Whip can always do the trick here
  • Suggested toppings - crumbled oreos, crumled pretzels, mini reese's cups, sprinkles, maraschino cherries

Directions:
  1. Heat the Fudge in a small saucepan. (If fudge is tough to remove from the jar , microwave jar for 15 seconds) Once it starts to warm stir constantly and stir in peanut butter. Leave stove-top on low.
  2. In an 11x7.5 in pan place 6 sandwiches horizontally down the left long side of the pan, then place 2 sandwiches vertically down the right long side of the pan (see pictures). Then cut 1/4 of a sandwich to fill in the small space.  (Do NOT throw away the rest of the cut sandwich)
  3. Take half of the fudge & peanut butter mixture and spread evenly over the entire surface of the ice cream sandwiches.
  4. Repeat step 2 except this time line up the horizontal sandwiches down the right side and the vertical sandwiches down the left side. (this is to prevent the small 1/4 pieces from ending up on top of one another)
  5. Spread the rest of the fudge & peanut butter mixture evenly over the entire surface of the ice cream sandwiches.
  6. Spread thawed whipped topping across the entire top of cake.  You should only need half of the 8 ounce carton to cover but you can use more to make a thicker layer if desired. 
* Now you can decorate the cake before freezing or save the decorating for when the cake is served if  you prefer  guests  
     to use toppings of choice.

        7.  Cover and freeze cake for at least 2 hours before serving.  Can freeze for up to 2 months.  Remove  from freezer  10-15 minutes before serving.